Despite a disappointing early exit in the first round of the NCAA tournament last season, the University of Denver Pioneers hockey team opens the 2010-11 campaign with a hunger to get back to the top. Three incoming freshmen were selected in the NHL Entry Draft—which means the pro teams have locked in signing rights to the players at any point in their collegiate careers—and the team got bragging rights after recapturing the Gold Pan trophy from rival Colorado College last year. The Pioneers, who consistently rank among the nation’s elite, have a stocked roster of players itching to prove their mettle. The key question: Can they pull off the big wins? Catch forward Kyle Ostrow (pictured) and the rest of the Pioneers at this year’s battle versus Colorado College on November 5. Puck drops at 7:37 p.m.

This article was originally published in 5280 November 2010.
Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer is an award-winning writer and editor based in Denver. You can find more of her work at daliahsinger.com.